Pakistan <3's the U.S. - American drones at work in S. Waziristan
As Pakistan hammers militants in South Waziristan, they've got a little help from their friends. The US military is providing video surveillance and intelligence from unmanned drones - the deepest involvement between the two militaries to date.
From the Los Angeles Times:
It's a tricky situation for Pakistan's military as they're usually very careful to not seem too dependent on the US. It also could give strength to claims by Taliban militants that the Pakistani government is following the direction of the United States.
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From the Los Angeles Times:
For months the United States and Pakistan have been sharing information from Predator flights in the volatile border regions, but until now the Pakistanis had not accepted help for their major military operations. Islamabad turned down American surveillance and targeting aid during the offensive in the Swat district that began in May.
The use of military drones for intelligence gathering in Pakistan is separate from the ongoing Predator attack campaign being carried out in that country by the CIA. Over the last 18 months, missile strikes from CIA-operated drones have killed at least 13 senior Al Qaeda or Taliban operatives in Pakistan's tribal zone.
It's a tricky situation for Pakistan's military as they're usually very careful to not seem too dependent on the US. It also could give strength to claims by Taliban militants that the Pakistani government is following the direction of the United States.
Recently on the Current News Blog:
- US police make massive Mexican drug cartel bust
- Defining 'dithering' - Dick Cheney accuses President Obama of wasting time
- North American Union conspiracy hits the big time
- Meet the Uighurs - Laura Ling's interview with China's western dissidents
- Captured by Somali pirates - A journalist's first hand story
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- groups:
- Afghanistan News, news blog
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- tags:
- Afghanistan, Military, Pakistan, Taliban, 7 more
